5 Fun Facts About Felines In Honor Of International Cat Day

The international holiday that all cat and felines lovers have eagerly been waiting for is finally here! August 8 marks International Cat Day, which is a great excuse to show our felines some love. Cats, just like all living creatures, have their own ways of expressing their feelings and needs. Even though we might not speak the same language as our little furballs, it’s quite easy to decipher what they mean. Furthermore, our kitties are far more complex than we might think. So, in honor of this purrrfect day, here are five fascinating facts about our furry friends.

1. Cats dream just like us.

Although it might seem strange to imagine our furry friends dreaming, cats actually do dream just as we do. Unfortunately, there’s no science to prove exactly what they dream about. However, research shows that cats’ nighttime fantasies probably include their daytime affairs. At night, cats’ brains process the events of the day as dreams. Although I’m pretty sure that just like us, they dream about eating delicious snacks.

2. Felines don’t have collarbones.

If you’ve ever wondered how your felines fit in boxes that are far smaller than they are, your cats’ lack of collarbones explains why they can squeeze through almost anything. Without collarbones, cats are able to more effectively twist their heads and bodies in order to sneak into narrow spaces. This is exactly why we usually find them in surprising places!

3. People aren’t actually allergic to cats themselves.

Even though cat allergies are extremely common, we aren’t actually allergic to felines themselves. In fact, cat dander (dead skin cells), which cats shed daily, causes our sneezes and stuffy noses. These days, there are many medications, such as antihistamines, that you can take to decrease your cat allergy symptoms. However, if you experience extreme allergic reactions, it’s best not to spend too much time around kitties.

4. Cats sweat through their paws.

Just like all mammals, cats sweat in order to regulate their body temperatures. However, unlike humans, cats don’t have pores since they’re fully covered with fur. Hence, kitties cool down through their paws, which also explains why they love walking on the kitchen or bathroom floors.

5. Felines purr for more than one reason.

The predominant reason for cats purring is contentment. However, happiness isn’t the only emotion that gets their motors running. Cats can also purr when they feel pain or anxiety. Scientists believe that the soothing sound of cats’ purrs is the feline way to self-heal. Moreover, it’s also a way for cats to communicate with each other and with humans, too.

These adorable creatures have many secrets that we haven’t discovered yet. However, these five unexpected facts explain a lot about our favorite pets. Even if you don’t own a cat, these fun facts will definitely come in handy at some point!